Beetzs tiger snake

Introduction: Tiger snakes are called cat snakes in other parts of the world because of their large eyes and vertical pupils. They prefer a habitat of dry, rocky regions or open savannah. Their diet consists of birds,lizards and if they can catch them, the occasional bat. There are 2 species of tiger snakes found in Namibia. Beetz's Tiger snake is a slender but rare species that live in rocky outcrops, sheltering from the hot sunshine in rock cracks, emerging at night to feed. They are often found dead on roads.

Distribution: Southern Namibia including the Fish River Canyon and Orange River, although they are absent from the Namib Desert.

Diet: Lizards.

Colouring: A sandy-buff coloured body has irregular dark blotches on the back with a pinkish tail.

Breeding: Females lay between 3 and 5 elongated eggs in December. They take at least 7 months to hatch.

Size: Max SVL male 435mm, female 590mm.